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Celtic fans not allowed to take flags and banners to St Johnstone

Celtic supporters are forbidden to take any flags or banners to the Boxing Day clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

The Hoops head to Perth on Thursday but any travelling fans will have placards confiscated by police because the Saints are worried about supporters group 'The Green Brigade' igniting flares underneath the banners in a bid to avoid detection.

St Johnstone insist they are not trying to stop Celtic's political views by banning the banners and flags but would rather not have a repeat of a recent match at Motherwell where the visiting Bhoys fans destroyed part of the Fir Park stadium.

A spokesman for the Perth club said: "Supporters will be aware that, regrettably, there has been a significant increase in the letting off of flares, smoke bombs and other pyrotechnics at games across the country this season.

"These are inherently unsafe not only for those around the devices but also for spectators in general, particularly those who suffer from breathing disorders. They also have the potential to set seats alight and cause flags to burn.

"St Johnstone and Celtic fully support Police Scotland in their attempts to eradicate this nuisance from our game and, as part of the planning process for this game between the three parties and other agencies, and as there have been several instances of flags being used as cover for the igniting of these devices, a decision has been taken that flags and banners will not be permitted inside McDiarmid Park for this particular game.

"Fans are asked to be considerate of this requirement in the interest of their own safety and the safety of others."